US20030192602A1 - Rotary drag valve - Google Patents
Rotary drag valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030192602A1 US20030192602A1 US10/198,970 US19897002A US2003192602A1 US 20030192602 A1 US20030192602 A1 US 20030192602A1 US 19897002 A US19897002 A US 19897002A US 2003192602 A1 US2003192602 A1 US 2003192602A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- impedance
- assembly
- closure element
- impedance assembly
- fluid passageways
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K47/00—Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy
- F16K47/04—Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure or noise level, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
- F16K47/045—Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure or noise level, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member and the closure member being rotatable
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K5/00—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary
- F16K5/06—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor
- F16K5/0605—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor with particular plug arrangements, e.g. particular shape or built-in means
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
- Y10T137/86718—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
- Y10T137/86734—With metering feature
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
- Y10T137/86718—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
- Y10T137/86743—Rotary
- Y10T137/86751—Plug
Abstract
A valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element which defines an axis of rotation and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of fluid passageways which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. Also partially defined by the impedance assembly is a flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end. The fluid passageways and the flow opening are oriented relative to each other such that a portion of a flow through the valve assembly is directed into the fluid passageways and a portion of the flow is directed through the flow opening when the closure element is in the fully open position.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/122,276 entitled DRAG BALL VALVE filed Apr. 12, 2002.
- (Not Applicable)
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to rotary valves, and more particularly to an energy attenuating ball valve which includes an impedance assembly mounted within and movable with the closure element or “ball” of the ball valve.
- 2. Discussion of Background
- There is currently known in the prior art linear valve assemblies which are outfitted to include a noise attenuation or impedance assembly. Such valves are often referred to in the relevant industry as “drag valves”. Linear valves as currently known in the prior art typically include an annular impedance assembly which includes a plurality of annular disks which each define a plurality of radially extending, tortuous flow passages and are secured to each other in a stacked arrangement. Disposed within the interior of the impedance assembly is a piston which is cooperatively engaged to an actuator operative to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the piston within the impedance assembly. When the piston is in a lowermost position, none of the passages of the impedance assembly are exposed to an incoming flow. As the piston is moved upwardly toward an open position, flow passes through the passages of the impedance assembly to provide an exit flow through the linear valve. The amount of flow through the impedance assembly is varied by the position of the piston, which in turn varies the area or proportion of the impedance assembly exposed to the incoming flow within the interior thereof.
- Though the above-described linear valve arrangement provides significant noise reduction capabilities, in certain applications it is often desirable to employ the use of a rotary valve utilizing a rotary closure element as an alternative to a linear valve. Since currently known linear impedance valves are typically considered to provide superior noise reduction capabilities as compared to rotary valves, the present invention addresses this disparity by providing a rotary valve arrangement which retains the benefits o the impedance assembly associated with linear valves, while still employing the use of a rotary closure element. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the present invention, the impedance assembly is carried by the rotary closure element of the rotary or ball valve which may be adapted for use in large, high capacity applications for which an equivalent linear valve would be excessively expensive (attributable to manufacturing obstacles) and potentially susceptible to instability problems. These, and other advantages of the present invention, will be discussed in more detail below.
- In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element defining an axis of rotation and selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable within the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of fluid passageways which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. The impedance assembly also partially defines a flow opening which extends through at least a portion of the bore of the rotary closure element into which the impedance assembly is mounted. The fluid passageways and such flow opening are oriented relative to each other such that a portion of flow through the valve assembly is directed into the fluid passageways, with a portion of the flow being directed through the flow opening when the closure element is in its fully open position.
- The fluid passageways may be disposed, in their entirety, downstream of the axis of rotation of the closure element when the same is in its fully open position. Alternatively, the impendence assembly may be formed such that certain ones of the fluid passageways are disposed in their entirety downstream of the axis of rotation of the closure element when the same is in its fully open position, with certain ones of the fluid passageways including portions or segments which extend upstream and downstream of the axis of rotation when the closure element is in its fully open position. The fluid passageways may each be tortuous, defining a series of turns which extend at generally right angles relative to each other, with such tortuous fluid passageways defining differing numbers of turns.
- The impedance assembly is interfaced to the rotary closure element such that flow through the valve assembly is applied initially to the fluid passageways having a greater number of turns when the closure element is moved from its fully closed position toward its fully open position.
- The impedance assembly comprises a series of plates which are secured to each other in a stacked arrangement. Each of the plates includes a plurality of flow passages (e.g., slots, openings, etc.) formed therein which collectively define the fluid passageways when the plates are stacked upon each other. The plates are stacked so as to extend along an axis which is generally perpendicular or normal to the axis of the bore (i.e., extends in generally parallel relation to the axis of rotation of the closure element). The surfaces of the plates collectively defining the inflow end of the impedance assembly are preferably beveled so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the axis of the bore. The surfaces of the plates collectively defining the outflow end of the impedance assembly are preferably arcuately contoured so as to extend in substantially flush or continuous relation to the outer surface of the generally spherical closure element. The impedance assembly may further comprise a layer of wire mesh material which is attached to and covers the inflow end thereof.
- These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary rotary valve having a closure element including an impedance assembly constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the closure element and impedance assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the closure element and impedance assembly shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the closure element and impedance assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the impedance assembly of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the impedance assembly of the first embodiment illustrating the tortuous flow passageways defined thereby;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the impedance assembly of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the impedance assembly of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a closure element including an impedance assembly constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the closure element and impedance assembly shown in FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the impedance assembly of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the impedance assembly of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 13 is a side-elevational view of the impedance assembly of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the impedance assembly of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a closure element including an impedance assembly constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the closure element and impedance assembly shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment;
- FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment;
- FIG. 19 is a cut-away perspective view of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment illustrating the internal configuration of one of the flow openings thereof;
- FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment in a pre-machined configuration;
- FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment in a partially machined configuration;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line22-22 of FIG. 21;
- FIG. 23 is an exploded view of one of the disk assemblies of the impedance assembly of the third embodiment in a pre-machined configuration;
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken from a front perspective of an exemplary rotary valve having a closure element including an impedance assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken from a rear perspective of the rotary valve shown in FIG. 24 illustrating the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment;
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken from a top perspective of an exemplary rotary valve including the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment, illustrating the closure element of the rotary valve in a partially open state;
- FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the closure element and impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment;
- FIG. 28 is a rear elevational view of the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment;
- FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the closure element taken from a rear perspective, illustrating the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment as mounted within the bore of the closure element;
- FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment in a pre-machined configuration;
- FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment in a pre-machined configuration;
- FIG. 32 is an exploded view of one of the disk assemblies of the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment in a pre-machined configuration; and
- FIG. 33 is an exploded view similar to FIG. 32, illustrating one of the disk assemblies of the impedance assembly of the fourth embodiment in a post-machined configuration.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a rotary valve10 (e.g., a ball valve) having a rotary closure element 12 (e.g., a ball) outfitted to include an on-
board impedance assembly 14 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Thevalve 10 includes ahousing 16 which defines aflow path 18 extending axially therethrough. Theclosure element 12 is operatively positioned within theflow path 18 of thehousing 16, and effectively segregates theflow path 18 into aninflow section 20 and anoutflow section 22. As best seen in FIG. 4, theclosure element 12 defines abore 24 which extends axially therethrough. The formation of thebore 24 within theclosure element 12 truncates opposed ends of theclosure element 12 which otherwise has a generally spherical shape. In this regard, thebore 24 includes aninflow end 26 and anoutflow end 28 which are each defined by theclosure element 12. - As further seen in FIG. 4, attached to the
closure element 12 is astem 30. Thestem 30 extends radially from theclosure element 12 in substantially perpendicular relation to the axis of thebore 24. In thevalve 10, theclosure element 12 is oriented within theflow path 18 such that the axis of thebore 24 is selectively placeable into coaxial alignment with the axis of theflow path 18, with the axis of thestem 30 extending in generally perpendicular relation to the axis of theflow path 18. In this regard, the actuation of theclosure element 12 to a fully open position causes fluid flowing through theinflow section 20 of theflow path 18 to flow into theinflow end 26 of thebore 24 along the axis thereof and subsequently into theoutflow section 22 of theflow path 18 via theoutflow end 28 of thebore 24. When actuated to its fully closed position, theclosure element 12 is rotated such that the axis of thebore 24 extends in generally perpendicular relation to the axis of theflow path 18, thus blocking the flow of fluid through theflow path 18 due to the impingement of the fluid flowing through theinflow section 20 against a side of theclosure element 12. - As will be recognized, the
closure element 12 may be rotated to various degrees of an open position between its fully open position and its fully closed position, i.e., the axis of thebore 24 may extend at an angle of between zero degrees and ninety degrees relative to the axis of theflow path 18. In FIG. 1, theclosure element 12 is shown as being rotated into an orientation wherein the axis of thebore 24 extends at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to the axis of theflow path 18, thus placing thevalve 10 into a partially open state. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the structural attributes of thevalve 10 are exemplary only, and that theimpedance assembly 14 of the first embodiment of the present invention as will be described in more detail below may be employed in a multiplicity of differently configured rotary valves. - Referring now to FIGS.2-8, there is shown the
impedance assembly 14 which is constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. As indicated above, theimpedance assembly 14 is carried by theclosure element 12, and more particularly is operatively positioned within thebore 24 in a manner which will be described in more detail below. As will also be discussed below, the structural attributes of theimpedance assembly 14 allow the same to be retrofitted to theclosure element 12 of an existingvalve 10, or provided as an original component thereof. - The
impedance assembly 14 comprises a cylindrically configuredmain feeder cap 32 which, in a preliminary, un-machined states, defines a generally planarouter surface 34 and an opposed, generally planar inner surface. Disposed within themain feeder cap 32 are a plurality ofmain feeder passages 36 which extend therethrough. Themain feeder passages 36 are segregated into various sets, with one set of themain feeder passages 36 having elongate, slot-like configurations and being arranged in an arcuate pattern, and other sets of themain feeder passages 38 each having generally circular configurations. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, two sets of the circularly configuredmain feeder passages 36 are disposed at respective ones of the opposed ends of the arcuate set of elongatemain feeder passages 36. Also disposed within themain feeder cap 32 is anenlarged opening 37. - As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, in addition to the
main feeder cap 32, theimpedance assembly 14 includes asecondary feeder cap 38 which has a circular, plate-like configuration and is abutted against the inner surface of themain feeder cap 32. Disposed within thefeeder cap 38 are a plurality offeeder cap passages 40 and anopening 41 which has the same general profile or shape as theopening 37 of themain feeder cap 32. Theimpedance assembly 14 further comprises a plurality of circularly configuredexpansion plates 42, each of which includes a plurality ofexpansion passages 44 formed therein. In addition to theexpansion passages 44, eachexpansion plate 42 includes anopening 45 disposed therein which has the same general shape or profile as the above-describedopenings impedance assembly 14 are a plurality of circularly configuredspacer plates 46 which are interleaved between respective pairs of theexpansion plates 42 and each include a plurality ofspacer passages 48 therein. In addition to thespacer passages 48, eachexpansion plate 42 includes anopening 49 disposed therein which has the same general shape or profile as theopenings impedance assembly 14 includes a circularly configuredexit plate 50 which itself includes a plurality ofexit passages 52 disposed therein. Theexit plate 50 also includes anopening 53 disposed therein which has the same general shape or profile as theopenings - In the
impedance assembly 14, themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates feeder cap 38 is abutted against the inner surface of themain feeder cap 36, with the expansion andspacer plates feeder cap 38. Theuppermost expansion plate 42 is abutted against that surface of thefeeder cap 38 opposite that abutted against the inner surface of themain feeder cap 32. Theexit plate 50 is abutted against thelowermost expansion plate 42. Themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates - When the
impedance assembly 14 is initially assembled, themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates main feeder passages 36,feeder cap passages 40,expansion passages 44,spacer passages 48, and exitpassages 52 are oriented relative to each other in a manner collectively defining a plurality oftortuous passageways 54 and a plurality of generallystraight passageways 56 which each extend through theimpedance assembly 14. Similar to themain feeder passages 36, thefeeder cap passages 40 of thefeeder cap 48 include those which have an elongate, slot-like configuration and are arranged in arcuate patterns, and those which have a generally circular configuration. Theexpansion passages 44 of each of theexpansion plates 42, thespacer passages 48 of each of thespacer plates 46, and theexit passages 52 of theexit plate 50 are also provided in both elongate and circular configurations. - In the
impedance assembly 14, themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates straight passageways 56 of theimpedance assembly 14. The elongate passages of themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates tortuous passageways 54. - As seen in FIG. 6, the
tortuous passageways 54 of theimpedance assembly 14 are not formed to provide uniform noise or energy attenuation characteristics. In this regard, thosetortuous passageways 54 partially defined by themain feeder passages 36 disposed in the approximate center of the arcuate arrangement thereof provide the highest level of energy attenuation capability (i.e., define the greatest number of turns). The noise or energy attenuating capabilities of the remainingtortuous passageways 54 progressively decrease (i.e., the number of turns defined by thepassageways 54 is reduced) as they approach respective ones of the opposed ends of the arcuate arrangement ofmain feeder passages 36. As such, thosetortuous passageways 54 disposed closest to each of the sets of circularmain feeder passages 36 at the opposed ends of the elongatemain feeder passages 36 define the least number of turns, and hence provide a level of energy attenuation exceeding only that of thestraight passageways 56. - As is further seen in FIG. 8, when the
impedance assembly 14 is initially assembled, theopenings impedance assembly 14. The remaining portions of themain feeder cap 32,feeder cap 38, and expansion, spacer andexit plates impedance assembly 14 and a circumferential section which spans in the range of from about ninety degrees to about one hundred twenty degrees and includes each of thetortuous passageways 54 andstraight passageways 56 extending therethrough. As such, the flow opening 58 collectively defined by theopenings impedance assembly 14, theouter surface 34 of themain feeder cap 32 is machined so as to provide the same with an arcuate, generally convex configuration. The pre-machining thickness of themain feeder cap 32 allows for the completion of this machining operation. - Referring now to FIGS.2-4, upon the fabrication of the
impedance assembly 14, the same is advanced into thebore 24 of theclosure assembly 12. It is contemplated that theimpedance assembly 14 may be “shrink-fit” into theclosure element 12. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative attachment methods may be employed to facilitate the interface of theimpedance assembly 14 to theclosure element 12. In any such attachment method, it is preferred that the inner surface of theclosure element 12 defining thebore 24 thereof be formed to include anannular shoulder 60 which serves as an abutment or stop surface for theimpedance assembly 14. In this regard, theshoulder 60 is oriented such that the abutment of theexit plate 50 thereagainst causes the arcuateouter surface 34 of themain feeder cap 32 to extend in a flush or continuous relationship with the outer surface of theclosure element 12 at theinflow end 26 of thebore 24. In this regard, it is contemplated that theouter surface 34 of themain feeder cap 32 will be machined such that the contour is complementary to that of the outer surface of theclosure element 12. - Due to the configuration of the
impedance assembly 14, the number of tortuous andstraight passageways flow path 18 varies as theclosure element 12 is rotated from its fully closed position toward its fully open position. In this regard, when theclosure element 12 is initially cracked open, fluid will flow only into thosetortuous passageways 54 imparting the highest level of energy attenuation, i.e., only thosetortuous passageways 54 partially defined by themain feeder passages 36 disposed in the approximate center of the arcuate arrangement thereof are exposed to the fluid flow. As the opening of theclosure element 12 progresses, the remainingtortuous passageways 54 of lesser energy attenuating capability are progressively exposed to the fluid flow. Thus, the number oftortuous passageways 54 exposed to fluid flow progressively increases as theclosure element 12 is rotated toward its fully open position. Due to their orientations relative to thetortuous passageways 54, thestraight passageways 56 are exposed to fluid flow once flow has commenced through virtually all of thetortuous passageways 54. The continued rotation of theclosure element 12 toward its fully open position then allows fluid to flow through the flow opening 58 defined by theimpedance assembly 14 in an unrestricted manner. When theclosure element 12 is ultimately rotated to its fully open position, a portion of the fluid flow continues to flow through the tortuous andstraight passageways flow opening 58. Thus, theimpedance assembly 14 provides the benefits of those utilized in linear valve arrangements, yet imparts those benefits to therotary closure element 12 of thevalve 10. - Referring now to FIGS.9-14, there is shown an
impedance assembly 62 which is constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Like theimpedance assembly 14 of the first embodiment described above, theimpedance assembly 62 is carried by theclosure element 12, and more particularly is operatively positioned within thebore 24 in a manner which will be described in more detail below. The structural attributes of theimpedance assembly 62 also allow the same to be retrofitted to theclosure element 12 of an existingvalve 10, or provided as an original component thereof. - The
impedance assembly 62 comprises afeeder cap 64 which is machined so as to define an arcuate, convexouter surface 66. Disposed within thefeeder cap 64 are a plurality offeeder passages 68 which extend therethrough. Each of thefeeder passages 68 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, though those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular shape for thefeeder passages 68. Also disposed within thefeeder cap 64 is a generally crescent-shapedopening 70. - As best seen in FIG. 13, in addition to the
feeder cap 64, theimpedance assembly 62 includes a plurality of circularly configuredimpedance plates 72. Theimpedance plates 72 each include a plurality of impedance passages formed therein. In addition to the impedance passages, each of theimpedance plates 72 includes an opening formed therein which has the same general shape or profile of theopening 70 formed within thefeeder cap 64. Theimpedance plates 72 are stacked upon each other, with an upper most one of theimpedance plates 72 being abutted against the inner surface of thefeeder cap 64. In addition to thefeeder cap 64 andimpedance plates 72, theimpedance assembly 62 includes a plurality of exit passages disposed therein. In addition to the exit passages, theexit plate 74 includes an opening disposed therein which has the same general shape or profile as theopening 70 of thefeeder cap 64 and the opening within each of theimpedance plates 72. - In the
impedance assembly 62, thefeeder cap 64,impedance plates 72 andexit plate 74 are assembled in a stacked arrangement, and are preferably of equal outer diameters. As indicated above, the uppermost impedance plate 72 within the stack is abutted against the inner surface of thefeeder cap 64, with theimpedance plates 72 being stacked in succession upon thefeeder cap 64. Theexit plate 74 is abutted against the lowermost impedance plate 72. Thefeeder cap 64,impedance plates 72 andexit plate 74 are preferably maintained in a stacked arrangement via brazed connections, though other attachment methods may be employed as an alternative. - When the
impedance assembly 62 is initially assembled, thefeeder cap 64 and impedance andexit plates feeder passages 68, impedance passages and exit passages are oriented relative to each other in a manner collectively defining a plurality oftortuous passageways 76 which are best shown in FIG. 14. As is apparent from FIG. 14, some of thetortuous passageways 76 extend longitudinally through the entire length of the impedance assembly 62 (i.e., terminate at the exit plate 74), with some of thetortuous passageways 76 terminating at a side surface collectively defined by the peripheral edges of theimpedance plates 72. When thefeeder cap 64 and impedance andexit plates feeder passages 68, impedance passages, and exit passages are arranged in sets wherein certain passages of each set are coaxially aligned with each other in a longitudinal direction, with other passages of the same set being laterally or radially aligned with each other, or only partially aligned in a longitudinal or lateral direction (i.e., only partially overlapping) such that each set of the passages collectively define a respective one of thetortuous passageways 76. - In addition to the
feeder passages 68, impedance passages and exit passages being aligned in sets to collectively define thetortuous passageways 76, theopening 70 within thefeeder cap 64 and openings within theimpedance plates 72 andexit plate 74 are also aligned so as to collectively define a flow opening 78 which extends longitudinally through theimpedance assembly 62. As is further seen in FIG. 14, thetortuous passageways 76 of theimpedance assembly 62 are not formed to provide uniform noise or energy attenuation characteristics. In this regard, thosetortuous passageways 76 disposed furthest from the flow opening 78 are configured to provide the highest level of energy attenuation capability (i.e., define the greatest number of turns). The noise or energy attenuating capabilities of the remainingtortuous passageways 76 progressively decrease (i.e., the number of turns defined by thepassageways 76 is reduced) as they approach theflow opening 78. Thosetortuous passageways 76 having the highest energy attenuating capabilities (defining the greatest number of turns) each terminate at theexit plate 74. Thosetortuous passageways 76 of lesser energy attenuation capability terminate at the side surface collectively define by theimpedance plates 72, and hence facilitate outflow directly into theflow opening 78. - Upon the fabrication of the
impedance assembly 62, the same is advanced into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. It is contemplated that theimpedance assembly 62 may be “shrink-fit” into theclosure element 12. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative attachment methods may be employed to facilitate the interface of theimpedance assembly 62 to theclosure element 12. When theimpedance assembly 62 is properly interfaced to theclosure element 12, the arcuateouter surface 66 of thefeeder cap 64 will extend in a flush or continuous relationship with the outer surface of theclosure element 12 at theinflow end 26 of thebore 24. In this regard, it is contemplated that theouter surface 66 of thefeeder cap 64 will be machined such that its contour is complimentary to that of the outer surface of theclosure element 12. - Due to the configuration of the
impedance assembly 62, the number oftortuous passageways 76 exposed to flow along the axis of theflow path 18 varies as theclosure element 12 is rotated from its fully closed position toward its fully open position. In this regard, when theclosure element 12 is initially cracked open, fluid will flow only into thosetortuous passageways 76 imparting the highest level of energy attenuation. As the opening of theclosure element 12 progresses, the remainingtortuous passageways 76 of lesser energy attenuating capability are progressively exposed to the fluid flow. Thus, the number oftortuous passageways 76 exposed to fluid flow progressively increases as theclosure element 12 is rotated toward its fully open position. The continued rotation of theclosure element 12 toward its fully open position then allows fluid to flow through the flow opening 78 defined by theimpedance assembly 62 in an unrestricted manner. When theclosure element 12 is ultimately rotated to its fully open position, a portion of the fluid flow continues to flow through thetortuous passageways 76, with fluid flow also passing through theflow opening 78. Thus, like theimpedance assembly 14 described above, theimpedance assembly 64 of the second embodiment provides the benefits of those utilized in linear valve arrangements, yet imparts those benefits to therotary closure element 12 of thevalve 10. - Referring now to FIGS.15-23, there is shown an
impedance assembly 80 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Like theimpedance assemblies impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment is carried by theclosure element 12, and more particularly is operatively positioned within thebore 24 in a manner which will be described in more detail below. The structural attributes of theimpedance assembly 80 also allow the same to be retrofitted to theclosure element 12 of an existingvalve 10, or provided as an original component thereof. - Referring now to FIGS.20-22, the
impedance assembly 80 comprises anupper cap 82 which, in a preliminary, un-machined state, has a generally rectangular configuration defining an inlet side surface 82 a and an outlet side surface 82 b. In this regard, the inlet and outlet side surfaces 82 a, 82 b are defined by respective ones of the longitudinal sides of the rectangularly configuredupper cap 82. In addition to theupper cap 82, theimpedance assembly 80 includes a plurality ofimpedance plate assemblies 84 which are maintained in a stacked arrangement, and are best shown in FIGS. 20 and 23. Eachimpedance plate assembly 84 comprises a rectangularly configuredseparator plate 86, a rectangularly configuredfirst impedance plate 88, and a rectangularly configuredsecond impedance plate 90. Formed within thefirst impedance plate 88 are a plurality of elongate slots labeled 92 a-92 e, respectively. Also formed within thefirst impedance plate 88 adjacent the inner ends of the slots 92 a-92 c arevarious openings 94, some of which are formed within one of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments of thefirst impedance plate 88. Similarly, formed within thesecond impedance plate 90 are a plurality ofopenings 96, some of which also are formed within one of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments of thesecond impedance plate 90. - Within each
impedance plate assembly 84, theseparator plate 86,first impedance plate 88, andsecond impedance plate 90 are maintained in a stacked arrangement. In this regard, the length and width dimensions of theseparator plate 86,first impedance plate 88 andsecond impedance plate 90 are preferably substantially equal, such that the longitudinal and lateral peripheral edge segments thereof are substantially flush when theplates openings 96 of thesecond impedance plate 90 partially overlap correspondingopenings 94 and slots 92 a-e of thefirst impedance plate 88. Theseparator plate 86 is attached to one side or face of thesecond impedance plate 90 such that thesecond impedance plate 90 is disposed or sandwiched between theseparator plate 86 and thefirst impedance plate 88. - As is further seen in FIG. 20, within the
impedance assembly 80, theimpedance plate assemblies 84 are stacked upon theupper cap 82. The uppermostimpedance plate assembly 84 of theimpedance assembly 80 does not include theseparator plate 86, with thesecond impedance plate 90 thereof being abutted directly against the bottom surface of theupper cap 82. For each successively stackedimpedance plate assembly 84, theseparator plate 86 of each suchimpedance plate assembly 84 is abutted against thefirst impedance plate 88 of theimpedance plate assembly 84 immediately above it. - In addition to the
upper cap 82 andimpedance plate assemblies 84, theimpedance assembly 80 includes alower cap 90 which, like theupper cap 82, has a generally rectangular configuration in its preliminary, un-machined state, and defines an inlet side surface 98 a and an outlet side surface 98 b. In theimpedance assembly 80, the top surface of thelower cap 98 is abutted against thefirst impedance plate 88 of the lowermostimpedance plate assembly 84. As seen in FIGS. 20-22, the length and width dimensions of the upper andlower caps plates lower caps plates plates - As is seen in FIGS. 20 and 23, the upper and
lower caps plates registry aperture 100 disposed within a corner region thereof. Thealignment apertures 100 are included in prescribed corner regions of the upper andlower caps plates apertures 100 are brought into coaxial alignment with each other, and are adapted to receive a retention pin which, when advanced thereinto, assists in maintaining the upper andlower caps plates - In the
impedance assembly 80, the stacking of theupper cap 82,impedance plate assemblies 84, andlower cap 98 occurs in a manner wherein the slots 92 a-e terminate at the longitudinal peripheral edge segment of thefirst impedance plate 88 which extends along the inlet side surfaces 82 a, 98 a of the upper andlower caps openings second impedance plates lower caps impedance plate assemblies 84 are viewed from the rear perspective, and are shown from a front perspective in FIG. 23. The exploded view from the front perspective in FIG. 23 demonstrates that eachimpedance plate assembly 84 defines a plurality of tortuous passageways which extend between the longitudinal peripheral edge segments of theplates - Due to the arrangement of the
openings second impedance plates slot 92 a includes a total of eight turns, with the tortuous passageway partially defined by the slot 92 b defining a total of six turns, the tortuous passageway partially defined by theslot 92 c defining a total of four turns, and the tortuous passageways partially defined by theslots impedance plates openings second impedance plates impedance plate assemblies 84. Rather, these separation distances are varied as needed to arrange the tortuous passageways in sets wherein the tortuous passageways of each set define equal numbers of turns but extend in a generally arcuate pattern. - In the
impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment, theimpedance plate assemblies 84 and upper andlower caps lower caps impedance plate assemblies 84 in the above-described manner, a top flow opening 102 is formed into theupper cap 82 and extends between the inlet and outlet side surfaces 82 a, 82 b thereof. Similarly, a bottom flow opening 104 is formed into thelower cap 98 and extends between the inlet and outlet side surfaces 98 a, 98 b thereof. The top andbottom flow openings lower caps first plate 106 and asecond plate 108 which are each attached (e.g., welded) to theupper cap 82. Thefirst plate 106 andsecond plate 108 are arranged within the top flow opening 102 relative to each other such that the top flow opening 102 does not define a straight flow path, but rather defines a tortuous flow path defining two turns. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that differing numbers of plates may be disposed within the top flow opening 102 in differing arrangements as needed to facilitate the creation of differing numbers of turns, or that no plates at all need be included within the top flow opening 102. In theimpedance assembly 80, the first andsecond plates bottom flow openings - After the first and
second plates bottom flow openings lower caps impedance plate assemblies 84 of the impedance assembly are machined so as to impart to the stacked arrangement the generally elliptical profile shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. As such, theimpedance assembly 80 includes an arcuateouter surface 110 collectively defined by portions of the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 84, and an arcuate inner surface 112 which is itself collectively defined by portions of the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 84, and an arcuate inner surface 112 which is itself collectively defined by portions of the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 84. The outer andinner surfaces 110, 112 meet each other at a top apex 114 defined by theupper cap 82 and disposed adjacent the top flow opening 102, and a bottom apex 116 defined by thelower cap 98 and disposed adjacent the bottom flow opening 104. Within the machinedimpedance assembly 80, the tortuous passageways of greatest noise or energy attenuating capability (i.e., the tortuous passageways defining the greatest number of turns) are disposed closest to theouter surface 110, with the number of turns (and hence the noise attenuating capability) of the tortuous passageways progressively decreasing as they extend toward the inner surface 112. - Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, upon the
impedance assembly 80 being machined in the above-described manner, the same is advanced into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. Such advancement is facilitated in a manner wherein theouter surface 110 of theimpedance assembly 80 directly engages or abuts a portion of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 which defines thebore 24 thereof. In this regard, it is contemplated that the contour of theouter surface 110 will be complementary to that of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 defining thebore 24, such that theouter surface 110 may be brought into direct, flush engagement therewith. When properly positioned within thebore 24, a portion of theimpedance assembly 80 protrudes from theinflow end 26 of thebore 24. Additionally, the inner surface 112 of theimpedance assembly 80 and a portion of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 defining thebore 24 thereof collectively define a generally crescent-shaped flow opening 118. The thickness of theimpedance assembly 80 is substantially less than the length of thebore 24. Thus, when theimpedance assembly 80 is properly positioned within thebore 24, theimpedance assembly 80 extends to a depth which is substantially short of the rotational axis of the closure element 12 (i.e., the axis of the stem 30). It is contemplated that theimpedance assembly 80 will be welded in place within thebore 24 of theclosure element 12, though those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative attachment methods may also be employed. - Once the
impedance assembly 80 has been properly secured within thebore 24 of theclosure element 12, that portion of theimpedance assembly 80 protruding from theinflow end 26 of thebore 24 is subjected to another machining operation which imparts an arcuate contour or profile thereto as needed to cause the exposed outer inflow end of theimpedance assembly 80 to be substantially flush or continuous with the outer surface of theclosure element 12 at theinflow end 26 of thebore 24. Stated another way, theimpedance assembly 80 is machined such that the contour of the outer inflow end thereof is complementary to that of the outer surface of theclosure element 12 as is best seen in FIG. 15. - Due to the configuration of the
impedance assembly 80, the number of tortuous passageways exposed to flow along the axis of theflow path 18 varies as theclosure element 12 is rotated from its fully closed position toward its fully open position. In this regard, when theclosure element 12 is initially cracked open, fluid will flow only into those tortuous passageways of theimpedance assembly 80 imparting the highest level of noise or energy attenuation. As the opening of theclosure element 12 progresses, the remaining tortuous passageways of theimpedance assembly 80 of lesser noise or energy attenuating capability are progressively exposed to the fluid flow. Thus, the number of tortuous passageways exposed to fluid flow progressively increases as theclosure element 12 is rotated toward its fully open position. - In addition to flowing through the tortuous passageways, the fluid flows into the top and
bottom flow openings impedance assembly 80 which, as indicated above, are also tortuous. The continued rotation of theclosure element 12 toward its fully open position then allows fluid to flow through the flow opening 118 in an unrestricted manner. When theclosure element 12 is ultimately rotated to its fully open position, a portion of the fluid flow continues to flow through the tortuous passageways and top andbottom flow openings impedance assemblies impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment provides the benefits of those utilized in linear valve arrangements, yet imparts those benefits to therotary closure element 12 of thevalve 10. - One of the most significant structural distinctions between the
impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment and theimpedance assemblies impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment, theimpedance plate assemblies 84 are stacked in a direction which is generally perpendicular or normal to the axis defined by thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. In contrast, the feeder caps and plates of theimpedance assemblies bore 24 of theclosure element 12. - Referring now to FIGS.24-32, there is shown an
impedance assembly 200 constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Theimpedance assembly 200 of the fourth embodiment is also carried by theclosure element 12 and, more particularly, is operatively positioned within thebore 24 in a manner which will be described in more detail below. The structural attributes of theimpedance assembly 200 also allow the same to be retrofitted to theclosure element 12 of an existingvalve 10, or provided as an original component thereof. - The
impedance assembly 200 comprises anupper cap 202 which, in a preliminary, un-machined state, has a generally rectangular configuration defining aninlet side surface 202 a and an outlet side surface 202 b. In addition to theupper cap 202, theimpedance assembly 200 includes a plurality ofimpedance plate assemblies 204 which are maintained in a stacked arrangement, and are best shown in FIGS. 30-32. Eachimpedance plate assembly 204 comprises aseparator plate 206, afirst impedance plate 208, and asecond impedance plate 210. Theplates first impedance plate 208 are a plurality ofopenings 212. Similarly, formed within thesecond impedance plate 210 are a plurality ofopenings 214. Theopenings second impedance plates openings impedance plate assemblies 204 for reasons which will be discussed in more detail below. - Within each
impedance plate assembly 204, theseparator plate 206,first impedance plate 208, andsecond impedance plate 210 are maintained in a stacked arrangement. In this regard, the length and width dimensions of theseparator plate 206,first impedance plate 208 andsecond impedance plate 210 are preferably substantially equal, such that corresponding peripheral edge segments thereof are substantially flush when theplates openings 214 of thesecond impedance plate 210 partially overlap one or morecorresponding openings 212 of thefirst impedance plate 208. Theseparator plate 206 is attached to one side or face of thefirst impedance plate 208 such that thefirst impedance plate 208 is disposed or sandwiched between theseparator plate 206 and thesecond impedance plate 210. - Within the
impedance assembly 200, theimpedance plate assemblies 204 are stacked upon theupper cap 202. Thesecond impedance plate 210 of the uppermostimpedance plate assembly 204 is abutted directly against the bottom surface of theupper cap 202. For each successively stackedimpedance plate assembly 204, thesecond impedance plate 210 of each suchimpedance plate assembly 204 is abutted against theseparator plate 206 of theimpedance plate assembly 204 immediately above it. The lowermostimpedance plate assembly 204 within the stack does not include theseparator plate 206, as will be described in more detail below. - In addition to the
upper cap 202 andimpedance plate assemblies 204, theimpedance assembly 200 of the fourth embodiment includes alower cap 216 which, like theupper cap 202, has a generally rectangular or square configuration in its preliminary, un-machined state, and defines aninlet side surface 216 a and an outlet side surface 216 b. In theimpedance assembly 200, the top surface of thelower cap 216 is abutted against thefirst impedance plate 208 of the lowermostimpedance plate assembly 204 which, as indicated above, does not include theseparator plate 206. The length and width dimensions of the upper andlower caps plates lower caps plates - As is further seen in FIGS.30-33, the upper and
lower caps plates registry apertures 218 disposed therein. Thealignment apertures 218 are adapted to facilitate a proper registry between the upper andlower caps plates apertures 218 are brought into coaxial alignment with each other in a manner collectively defining two coaxially aligned sets, each of which is adapted to receive a retention pin. The advancement of such retention pins into the coaxially aligned sets ofapertures 218 assists in maintaining the upper andlower caps plates - The
impedance plate assemblies 84 as stacked between theupper cap 202 and thelower cap 216 are shown in FIG. 31. As will be discussed in more detail below, theimpedance plate assemblies 204 and the upper andlower caps lower caps impedance plate assemblies 204 are preferably machined in a manner resulting in the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 204 collectively defining an inflow side or end 220 of theimpedance assembly 200 which has an angled or beveled configuration, as best shown in FIG. 29. Theinflow end 220 of theimpedance assembly 200 is preferably formed to extend at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to the axis of thebore 24 of theclosure element 12 when theimpedance assembly 200 is mounted therein. - In addition to being machined to define the
beveled inflow end 220, the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 204 are further machined to collectively define an arcuately contoured, convex outflow side or end 222. The arcuate contour or profile of theoutflow end 222 is adapted to cause the same to be substantially flush or continuous with the outer surface of theclosure element 12 at theoutflow end 28 of thebore 24 when theimpedance assembly 200 is mounted therein. Stated another way, theimpedance assembly 200 is machined such that the contour of theoutflow end 222 thereof is complementary to that of the outer surface of theclosure element 12. The machining operation which imparts the arcuate contour or profile to theoutflow end 222 may occur prior or subsequent to the mounting of theimpedance assembly 200 into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. However, the machining of the upper andlower caps impedance plate assemblies 204 as needed to facilitate the formation of thebeveled inflow end 220 will necessarily occur prior to the mounting of theimpedance assembly 200 within thebore 24. - An exploded view of one of the
impedance plate assemblies 204 of theimpedance assembly 200, subsequent to the completion of the machining operations used to facilitate the formation of the inflow and outflow ends 220, 222, is shown in FIG. 33. As shown in FIG. 33, the machining of theimpedance plate assemblies 204 to form thebeveled inflow end 220 results in certain ones of theopenings second impedance plates corresponding plate inflow end 220. Similarly, the machining of theimpedance plate assemblies 204 to form theconvex outflow end 222 results in certain ones of theopenings corresponding plate outflow end 222. Certain ones of theopenings second impedance plates - As is further seen in FIG. 33, as a result of the formation of the inflow and outflow ends220, 222 in the above-described manner, each of the
plates lower caps impedance plate assemblies 204 are further machined so as to impart to the stacked arrangement the generally elliptical profile best shown in FIGS. 27-29. As such, theimpedance assembly 200 includes an arcuateouter surface 224 collectively defined by the side peripheral edge segments of theplates lower caps outer surface 224, theimpedance assembly 200 defines an arcuateinner surface 226 which is collectively defined by the side peripheral edge segments of theplates lower caps inner surfaces top apex 228 defined by theupper cap 202, and abottom apex 230 defined by thelower cap 216. - Due to the arrangement of the
openings second impedance plates impedance plate assembly 204, each of theimpedance plate assemblies 204 defines a plurality of fluid passageways which are tortuous and extend between those peripheral edge segments partially defining respective ones of the inflow and outflow ends 220, 222. These tortuous fluid passageways are disposed in spaced relation to each other and define differing numbers of right-angle turns. More particularly, the number of turns defined by the tortuous fluid passageways decreases as the passages progress from theouter surface 224 to theinner surface 226 as viewed from the front perspective shown in FIG. 27. Thus, those passageways defining the greatest number of turns are disposed closest to the side peripheral edge segments of theplates plates openings plates plates plates impedance assembly 200. - As will be recognized, those tortuous passageways providing the greatest noise or energy attenuating capability are those defining the greatest number of turns which, as indicated above, are disposed closest to the
outer surface 224. The number of turns (and hence the noise attenuating capability) of the tortuous passageways progressively decreases as they extend toward theinner surface 226, as also indicated above. - Upon the
impedance assembly 200 being machined in the above-described manner, the same is advanced into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. Such advancement is facilitated in a manner wherein theouter surface 224 of theimpedance assembly 200 directly engages or abuts a portion of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 which defines thebore 24 thereof. In this regard, it is contemplated that the contour of theouter surface 224 will be complementary to that of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 defining thebore 24, such that theouter surface 224 may be brought into direct, flush engagement therewith. When properly positioned within thebore 24, theoutflow end 222 of theimpedance assembly 200 will extend to theoutflow end 28 of thebore 24 in flush relation to the outer surface of theclosure element 12. However, if theoutflow end 222 has not yet been machined into theimpedance assembly 200, the same will be positioned within thebore 24 such that a portion thereof protrudes from theoutflow end 28 of thebore 24, with theimpedance assembly 200 thereafter being machined so as to facilitate the formation of theoutflow end 222 which extends in continuous, flush relation to the outer surface of theclosure element 12. - The mounting of the
impedance assembly 200 into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12 is preferably accomplished through the use of welds. Upon such mounting, theinner surface 226 of theimpedance assembly 200 and a portion of the inner surface of theclosure element 12 defining thebore 24 thereof collectively define a generally crescent-shapedflow opening 232. The thickness of theimpedance assembly 200, even at its thickest point, is substantially less than the length of thebore 24. Thus, when theimpedance assembly 200 is properly positioned within thebore 24, the majority of the impedance assembly 200 (and hence the majority of the tortuous fluid passageways defined thereby) extends between the rotational axis of the closure element 12 (i.e., the axis of the stem 30) and theoutflow end 28 of thebore 24. However, as seen in FIG. 26, portions or segments of those fluid passageways defining the greatest number of turns (i.e., those passageways disposed closest to the outer surface 224) extend upstream of the rotational axis of the closure element 12 (i.e., between the axis of thestem 30 and theinflow end 26 of the bore 24). However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theimpedance assembly 200 may be sized such that the entirety thereof is disposed downstream of the rotational axis of theclosure element 12. - Due to the configuration of the
impedance assembly 200, the number of tortuous passageways directly impinged by flow along the axis of theflow path 18 varies as theclosure element 12 is rotated from its fully closed position toward its fully open position. In this regard, as seen in FIG. 26, when theclosure element 12 is initially cracked open, the fluid flow into thebore 24 directly impinges only those tortuous passageways of theimpedance assembly 200 imparting the highest level of noise or energy attenuation. As the opening of theclosure element 12 progresses, the remaining tortuous passageways of theimpedance assembly 200 of lesser noise or energy attenuating capability are progressively directly impinged by the flow of fluid into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. Thus, the number of tortuous passageways directly impinged by fluid flow into thebore 24 progressively increases as theclosure element 12 is rotated toward its fully open position. The continued rotation of theclosure element 12 toward its fully open position then allows fluid to flow through the flow opening 232 in an unrestricted manner. When theclosure element 12 is ultimately rotated to its fully open position, a portion of the fluid flow continues to flow through the tortuous passageways concurrently with flow through theflow opening 232. - In the
impedance assembly 200 of the fourth embodiment, theimpedance plate assemblies 204 are stacked in a direction which is generally perpendicular or normal to the axis defined by thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. Advantageously, by orienting theinflow end 220 of theimpedance assembly 200 downstream of theinflow end 26 of thebore 24, any solid “trash” particles which become trapped in theinflow end 220 of theimpedance assembly 200 are downstream of the softfront seat 234 of thevalve 10. As a result, the susceptibility of thefront seat 234 to being cut or torn by such trash particles during rotation of theclosure element 12 between its fully open and fully closed positions is eliminated. As will be recognized, in typical valve construction, it is preferred that thefront seat 234 be fabricated from a soft material as is adapted to facilitate the creation of a bubble-tight seal (e.g., a Class 6 shut-off). As indicated above, the location of theimpedance assembly 200 at the back of theclosure element 12 eliminates the susceptibility to the tearing of the softfront seat 234 due to the solid trash particles being collected inside thebore 24 of theclosure element 12, far away from thefront seat 234. Thus, the soft upstreamfront seat 234 need not be used for throttling, and may be used only as a primary shut-off seal which is its main function in a regular trunnion ball valve. As a result, the downstreamback seat 236 may be converted to a metal seal used strictly for throttling purposes. - In addition to the aforementioned advantages attributable to the placement of the
impedance assembly 200 to the back of thebore 24 within theclosure element 12, the formation of theangled inflow end 220 of the impedance assembly 200 (which is located within the bore 24) provides an optimal angle for trash deflection. In this regard, solid particles will tend to be deflected toward the flow opening 232, which provides a “self-flushing” feature. It is contemplated that theimpedance assembly 200 may be provided with alayer 238 of wire mesh material which is attached to and completely covers the inflow end 220 (i.e., the deflection face). Thewire mesh layer 238 covering theinflow end 220 further protects against any clogging of the tortuous fluid passageways, while further enhancing the noise attenuation capabilities of theimpedance assembly 200. It is contemplated thatseveral layers 238 of wire mesh material (as opposed to a single layer 238) may be stacked upon theinflow end 220. In this regard, the wire mesh layer(s) 238, in addition to keeping trash out of the tortuous fluid passageways, can be used as a noise attenuation barrier, with differing levels of noise reduction being achievable based on the number oflayers 238 of wire mesh material stacked upon theinflow end 220. The increased brazing area on theplates plates impedance assembly 200 provides for the use of additional stringer welds to facilitate the attachment thereof to theclosure element 12. - Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in the accompanying figures, the
impedance assembly 80 of the third embodiment is formed to have a generally elliptical configuration, which results in the flow opening 118 being generally crescent-shaped when theimpedance assembly 80 is advanced into thebore 24 of theclosure element 12. In this regard, theimpedance assembly 80 may be formed to have alternative shapes as would cause the flow opening 118 to have a shape other than a crescent shape. More particularly, the shape of the flow opening 118 can be varied by modifying the shape of theimpedance assembly 80, with the shape of the flow opening 118 being selected to provide a desired flow curve characteristic. The same holds true for the shape of theimpedance assembly 200 and resultant shape of theflow opening 232. Additionally, it is contemplated that theimpedance assembly 200 may be sized and configured so as to completely cover or extend across thebore 24 of theclosure element 12, i.e., the flow opening 232 is not defined. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (28)
1. A valve assembly, comprising:
a rotary closure element defining an axis of rotation and selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position;
an impedance assembly mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element, the impedance assembly defining an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprising:
a plurality of fluid passageways extending from the inflow end to the outflow end;
the impedance assembly and the closure element collectively defining a flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end;
the fluid passageways and the flow opening being oriented relative to each other such that a portion of a flow through the valve assembly is directed into the fluid passageways and a portion of the flow is directed through the flow opening when the closure element is in the fully open position.
2. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the impedance assembly is configured and oriented relative to the closure element such that the fluid passageways are each downstream of the axis of rotation when the closure element is in the fully open position.
3. The valve assembly of claim 2 wherein the impedance assembly is configured and oriented relative to the closure element such that certain ones of the fluid passageways include portions which are upstream of the axis of rotation when the closure element is in the fully open position.
4. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein:
at least some of the fluid passageways are tortuous and define a series of turns which extend at generally right angles relative to each other; and
the tortuous fluid passageways of the impedance assembly define differing numbers of turns.
5. The valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the impedance assembly is mounted to the closure element such that flow is applied initially to the tortuous passageways having a greater number of turns when the closure element is moved from the fully closed position toward the fully open position.
6. The impedance assembly of claim 1 wherein the inflow end has a beveled configuration.
7. The impedance assembly of claim 6 further comprising a layer of wire mesh attached to the impedance assembly and covering the inflow end thereof.
8. The valve assembly of claim 1 wherein:
the impedance assembly comprises a plurality of impedance plate assemblies secured to each other in a stacked arrangement along an axis which is generally parallel to the axis of rotation; and
each of the impedance plate assemblies includes a plurality of openings formed therein which collectively define the fluid passageways when the impedance plate assemblies are stacked upon each other.
9. The valve assembly of claim 8 wherein each of the impedance plate assemblies comprises:
a separator plate;
a first impedance plate having a plurality of slots and openings formed therein; and
a second impedance plate having a plurality of slots and openings formed therein;
the separator, first and second impedance plates being stacked upon each other such that the separator and first impedance plates, with the slots and openings of the first and second impedance plates collectively defining the fluid passageways.
10. The valve assembly of claim 9 wherein:
the closure element defines an arcuate outer surface;
the impedance plate assemblies are configured in a manner wherein the outflow end of the impedance assembly is arcuately contoured; and
the impedance assembly is mounted to the closure element such that the arcuate outflow end of the impedance assembly is substantially continuous with the outer surface of the closure element.
11. The valve assembly of claim 10 wherein the impedance plate assemblies are configured in a manner wherein the inflow end of the impedance assembly has a beveled configuration.
12. The valve assembly of claim 8 wherein the impedance assembly further comprises:
an upper cap; and
a lower cap;
the impedance plate assemblies being stacked between the upper and lower caps.
13. An impedance assembly for retrofit attachment to a rotary closure element defining an axis of rotation and selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, the impedance assembly comprising:
a plurality of impedance plate assemblies secured to each other in a stacked arrangement such that the impedance plate assemblies collectively define an inflow end and an outflow end of the impedance assembly;
each of the impedance plate assemblies including a plurality of openings formed therein which collectively define a plurality of fluid passageways extending from the inflow end to the outflow end when the impedance plate assemblies are stacked upon each other.
14. The impedance assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the impedance plate assemblies comprises:
a separator plate;
a first impedance plate having a plurality of slots and openings formed therein; and
a second impedance plate having a plurality of slots and openings formed therein;
the separator, first and second impedance plates being stacked upon each other such that the second impedance plate is disposed between the separator and first impedance plates, with the slots and openings of the first and second impedance plates collectively defining certain ones of the fluid passageways.
15. The impedance assembly of claim 13 wherein:
at least some of the fluid passageways are tortuous and define a series of turns which extend at generally right angles relative to each other; and
the tortuous fluid passageways of the impedance assembly define differing numbers of turns.
16. The impedance assembly of claim 13 wherein the impedance assembly further comprises:
an upper cap; and
a lower cap;
the impedance plate assemblies being stacked between the upper and lower caps.
17. The impedance assembly of claim 13 wherein the inflow end has a beveled configuration.
18. The impedance assembly of claim 17 wherein the outflow end has an arcuate configuration.
19. The impedance assembly of claim 17 further comprising at least one layer of wire mesh attached to the impedance assembly and covering the inflow end thereof.
20. A method of retrofitting a rotary valve including a rotary closure element which defines an outer surface, a bore and an axis of rotation, and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position with an impedance assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) securing a plurality of impedance plate assemblies to each other in a stacked arrangement along a plate assembly axis to form the impedance assembly, each of the impedance plate assemblies including a plurality of openings formed therein which collectively define a plurality of fluid passageways extending from an inflow end to an outflow end of the impedance assembly when the impedance plate assemblies are stacked upon each other; and
(b) mounting the impedance assembly within the bore of the closure element.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein step (b) comprises mounting the impedance assembly within the bore such that the fluid passageways are each downstream of the axis of rotation.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein step (b) comprises mounting the impedance assembly within the bore such that portions of certain ones of the fluid passageways are upstream of the axis of rotation.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein step (b) comprises mounting the impedance assembly within the bore of the closure element such that the plate assembly axis extends in generally parallel relation to the axis of rotation.
24. A valve assembly, comprising:
a rotary closure element defining an axis of rotation and selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position; and
an impedance assembly mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element, the impedance assembly defining an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprising:
a plurality of impedance plate assemblies secured to each other in a stacked arrangement along an axis which is generally parallel to the axis of rotation;
each of the impedance plate assemblies including a plurality of openings formed therein which collectively define a plurality of fluid passageways extending from the inflow end to the outflow end when the impedance plate assemblies are stacked upon each other.
25. The valve assembly of claim 24 wherein the impedance assembly is configured and oriented relative to the closure element such that the fluid passageways are each downstream of the axis of rotation when the closure element is in the fully open position.
26. The valve assembly of claim 25 wherein the impedance assembly is configured and oriented relative to the closure element such that certain ones of the fluid passageways include portions which are upstream of the axis of rotation when the closure element is in the fully open position.
27. The valve assembly of claim 24 wherein:
at least some of the fluid passageways are tortuous and define a series of turns which extend at generally right angles relative to each other; and
the tortuous fluid passageways of the impedance assembly define differing numbers of turns.
28. The valve assembly of claim 27 wherein the impedance assembly is mounted to the closure element such that flow is applied initially to the tortuous passageways having a greater number of turns when the closure element is moved from the fully closed position toward the fully open position.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/198,970 US6923210B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-07-19 | Rotary drag valve |
US10/282,667 US6886596B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-10-29 | Rotary drag valve |
US10/410,218 US6868865B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2003-04-09 | Rotary drag valve |
AU2003224932A AU2003224932A1 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2003-04-10 | Rotary drag valve |
PCT/US2003/011186 WO2003087643A2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2003-04-10 | Rotary drag valve |
US10/437,213 US6913042B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2003-05-13 | Rotary drag valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/122,276 US7011109B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-04-12 | Drag ball valve |
US10/198,970 US6923210B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-07-19 | Rotary drag valve |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/122,276 Continuation-In-Part US7011109B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-04-12 | Drag ball valve |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/282,667 Continuation-In-Part US6886596B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-10-29 | Rotary drag valve |
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US20030192602A1 true US20030192602A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
US6923210B2 US6923210B2 (en) | 2005-08-02 |
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US10/198,970 Expired - Lifetime US6923210B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-07-19 | Rotary drag valve |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106051205A (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2016-10-26 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Adjusting ball valve |
CN106122507A (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2016-11-16 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Cavitation-proof ball valve |
CN107120472A (en) * | 2017-04-27 | 2017-09-01 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Ball valve for eliminating cavitation |
CN110259977A (en) * | 2019-05-10 | 2019-09-20 | 合肥通用机械研究院有限公司 | High Pressure Difference multi-step pressure reduction regulation ball valve |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7156122B2 (en) * | 2005-04-22 | 2007-01-02 | Mogas Industries, Inc. | Rotary ball valve assembly |
US8141843B2 (en) * | 2008-12-31 | 2012-03-27 | Dresser, Inc. | Fluid control valve |
US9377127B2 (en) * | 2014-02-18 | 2016-06-28 | Keyva Control, Inc. | Ball valve with square bore and quarter turn component |
EP3807562A1 (en) | 2018-03-02 | 2021-04-21 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Erosion resistant trim for a valve |
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US4540025A (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1985-09-10 | Grove Valve And Regulator Company | Throttling ball valve |
US4665946A (en) * | 1985-08-30 | 1987-05-19 | Daniel Industries, Inc. | Rotary control valves with pressure-reducing means |
US5937901A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1999-08-17 | Rotatrol Ag | Rotary noise attenuating valve |
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US5218984A (en) * | 1992-05-29 | 1993-06-15 | Allen Ernest E | Means and method for noise and cavitation attenuation in ball-type valves |
FR2693248B1 (en) * | 1992-07-03 | 1994-09-23 | Roger Bey | Ball or plug type valve fitted with an insert. |
US5680889A (en) * | 1996-09-23 | 1997-10-28 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Low noise ball valve assembly |
US5771929A (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-06-30 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Low noise ball valve assembly with airfoil insert |
-
2002
- 2002-07-19 US US10/198,970 patent/US6923210B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4540025A (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1985-09-10 | Grove Valve And Regulator Company | Throttling ball valve |
US4665946A (en) * | 1985-08-30 | 1987-05-19 | Daniel Industries, Inc. | Rotary control valves with pressure-reducing means |
US5937901A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1999-08-17 | Rotatrol Ag | Rotary noise attenuating valve |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106051205A (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2016-10-26 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Adjusting ball valve |
CN106122507A (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2016-11-16 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Cavitation-proof ball valve |
CN107120472A (en) * | 2017-04-27 | 2017-09-01 | 航天长征化学工程股份有限公司 | Ball valve for eliminating cavitation |
CN110259977A (en) * | 2019-05-10 | 2019-09-20 | 合肥通用机械研究院有限公司 | High Pressure Difference multi-step pressure reduction regulation ball valve |
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